Readily dispersible dietary fiber composition

ABSTRACT

The present invention includes a dispersible dietary fiber composition comprising a colloidal silicon dioxide and a substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder that is not naturally dispersible in water, which preferably includes psyllium. Other components, such as a saccharide polymer compound (preferably maltodextrin), a preservative, and a flavorant may also be included. The present invention further includes a method for producing a readily dispersible dry dietary fiber composition by dry blending colloidal silicon dioxide and a substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to bulk forming laxative products and methods for producing the same. These are typically based on psyllium or an equivalent fibrous vegetable material.

[0002] Such products typically include sugar, which facilitates dispersion of the fibrous vegetable material in water so that it can be consumed. However, dispersion continues to be and has for some time been a serious problem in sugar-free fibrous vegetable bulking products. The fibrous material simply does not disperse adequately in water.

[0003] U.S. Pat. No. 4,321,263 to Powell et al., issued Mar. 23, 1982, and entitled “PSYLLIUM COMPOSITIONS,” wets the psyllium with a minimum of 2% of either polyethylene glycol or polyvinyl polyvinylpyrrolidone, and alleges that the resulting psyllium composition is substantially instantly dispersible in water.

[0004] Most prior art attempts, like the '263 patent, to formulate a dispersible dietary fiber composition have centered around coating the non-dispersible dietary fiber material with some type of dispersing agent. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,842, which is owned by the Assignee in this case, L. Perrigo Company, discloses a dietary bulking agent comprising psyllium powder, aspartame, and a coating of a blend of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, with a minor amount of polyethylene glycol. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 4,016,337 discloses finely-divided particles of a normally non-dispersible material in a silicon dioxide flow agent having a thin coating of an emulsion of edible fat and glycerol. According to the '337 patent, the non-dispersible material is converted into an aqueous dispersion through the co-action of silicon dioxide flow agent and the emulsion of edible fat and glycerol. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,548,806, in order to improve dispersibility of psyllium hydrophilic mucilloid, a film of hydrolyzed starch oligosaccharide, a mono- or di-saccharide, a polyglucose, or a polymaltose coating is applied.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a significant need for a composition and method for making a dietary fiber composition of normally non-dispersible dietary fiber, where coating the non-dispersible dietary fiber is unnecessary. Such a method would eliminate many processing steps and inherent costs that result from prior art solutions requiring coatings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] In the dietary fiber and method of the present invention, a readily dispersible dietary fiber composition includes colloidal silicon dioxide; a substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder that is not naturally dispersible in water; and optionally a saccharide polymer compound. Typically, the composition does not contain an emulsion of edible fat and glycerol.

[0007] These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims and appended drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0008] In the preferred embodiment, a dietary fiber composition of the present invention comprises a colloidal silicon dioxide compound, a substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder, most preferably psyllium powder and optionally, a saccharide polymer compound, such as maltodextrin, a flavorant, and a preservative. Notably, no coating of the vegetable material powder is required to adequately disperse it in water when colloidal silicon dioxide is used in conjunction with it. While the saccharide polymer compound, the flavorant, and the preservative are not necessary, they may be added as desired. Applicants currently believe the colloidal silicon dioxide significantly enhances the dispersibility of the dietary fiber and allows uncoated dietary fiber to be used in the dietary fiber composition of the present invention resulting in significant processing cost savings.

[0009] Preferably, the method of making the above dietary fiber compositions is by dry mixing at least a colloidal silicon dioxide and a fibrous vegetable material powder that is not naturally dispersible in water. The other ingredients are also preferably dry mixed. The dry mixing of the present invention eliminates any need for coating the fibrous material resulting in substantial cost savings. The fact that substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder that is not naturally dispersible in water may be dispersible by the addition of colloidal silicon dioxide is entirely unexpected.

[0010] The colloidal silicon dioxide of the present invention is preferably CAB-O-SIL® M-5 available from Cabot Corporation of Tuscola, Ill. CAB-O-SIL® M-5 is a synthetic, amorphous, colloidal silicon dioxide. The colloidal silicon dioxide of the present invention preferably typically has the following properties: Typical Properties of Colloidal Silicon Dioxide of the Present Invention B.E.T. Surface Area 200 m²/g pH (4% aqueous slurry) 3.7-4.3 325 Mesh Residue (44 microns) 0.02% max. Bulk Density (at time of packaging) 3.0 lb/ft³ max. (Pour Density) (50 g/l Tap Density) Loss on Heating (at time of packaging) <1.5% max. Loss on Ignition (@ 1000° C.) (at time of <2 wt. % packaging) Specific Gravity 2.2 g/cm³ Wt. per gallon 18.3 lb Refractive Index 1.46 X-ray Form Amorphous Assay (% SiO₂) >99.8 Oil Adsorption ˜350 g/100 g oil Average Particle (Aggregate) Length 0.2-0.3 microns

[0011] Preferably, the dietary fiber composition of the present invention includes from about 0.5% to about 10% colloidal silicon dioxide powder by weight of the composition. More preferably, from about 1% to about 3% colloidal silicon dioxide may be employed, and most preferably, about 2% by weight colloidal silicon dioxide of the composition is utilized.

[0012] The preferred fibrous vegetable material is an indigestible powder, most preferably psyllium powder. Psyllium powder comprises the ground husks of the seeds of the plantago ovata plant species. The husks consist principally of the colorless epidermis of mucilage containing cells. Any similarly powdered fibrous vegetable material, which serves as a bulking agent and for which dispersion in water does not readily occur naturally, could also be used in the present invention. The preferred psyllium powder is less than about 20 mesh (U.S. Series Sieve) particle size. The dietary fiber preferably amounts to from about 55% to about 65% by weight of the composition, but most preferably is about 60% by weight of the composition.

[0013] Optionally, the dietary fiber composition of the present invention further includes a saccharide polymer compound, preferably maltodextrin, as a filler. The maltodextrins consist of D-glucose units linked primarily by alpha-1,4 bonds with a dextrose equivalence (DE) of below 20. The maltodextrins used in the present invention generally fall between about 5 DE and about 20 DE. Typically, the maltodextrins have a dextrate equivalent of about 9-12 and most typically about 10. Applicants currently typically utilize maltodextrin sold under the designation MALTRIN® M510 by Grain Processing Corporation of Muscatine, Iowa.

[0014] Other optional ingredients that may be used in the present invention include flavorants, preferably sugar-free flavorants, such as aspartame, preservatives, and other compounds, such as citric acid. All of the optional ingredients are preferably dry.

[0015] The dietary fiber compositions of the present invention are further explained by the following examples:

EXAMPLE I

[0016] Ingredient Amount Sugar-free fiber therapy mix of 100 grams psyllium powder (Psyllium + all other ingredients desired, except CAB-O-SIL ®) CAB-O-SIL ® M-5  1 gram

[0017] Good dispersibility and taste was observed from the above composition. Only small lumps after 20 seconds remained.

EXAMPLE II

[0018] Ingredient Amount Sugar-free fiber therapy mix of 100 grams psyllium powder (Psyllium + all other ingredients desired, except CAB-O-SIL ®) CAB-O-SIL ® M-5  2 grams

[0019] Only small lumps were apparent after 20 seconds. The mix had good taste and was the best of Examples I and II.

EXAMPLE III

[0020] 1% CAB-O-SIL ® M-5 composition employing flavorant and maltodextrin Material Percent by Weight Amount Sugar-free psyllium (ungranulated) 59.84 1196.8 grams Sugar-free orange flavorant 7.46  149.2 grams Maltodextrin M-510 31.70  634.0 grams CAB-O-SIL ® M-5 1.00  20.0 grams Total: 100.00 2000.0 grams

[0021] The composition of the above components were passed through a 20 mesh security screen and into a PK (Patterson-Kelley) blender and mixed for 10 minutes. The dispersion results were very good.

EXAMPLE IV

[0022] 2% CAB-O-SIL ® M-5 composition employing flavorant and maltodextrin Material Percent by Weight Amount Sugar-free psyllium (ungranulated) 59.84 1196.8 grams Sugar-free orange flavorant 7.46  149.2 grams Maltodextrin M-510 30.70  614.0 grams CAB-O-SIL ® M-5 2.00  40.0 grams Total: 100.00% 2000.0 grams

[0023] The composition of the above components were passed through a 20 mesh security screen and into a PK blender and mixed for 10 minutes. The dispersion results were very good.

EXAMPLE V

[0024] 70 Kg Batch containing 2% by weight CAB-O-SIL ® M-5 Material Percent by Weight Amount Sugar-free psyllium (ungranulated) 59.84 41.888 Kg Sugar-free orange flavorant 7.46  5.222 Kg Maltodextrin M-510 30.70 21.490 Kg CAB-O-SIL ® M-5 2.00  1.400 Kg Total: 100.00% 70.000 Kg

[0025] The composition of the above components were passed through a 20 mesh security screen and into a PK blender and mixed for 10 minutes. The dispersion results were very good.

[0026] To make the composition of Example V, the sugar-free orange flavorant in the CAB-O-SIL® M-5 were placed into a five cubic foot PK blender and mixed for five minutes. Next, that mixture was passed through a Fitzmill with knives forward at medium speed (approximately 2,450 rpm) with a 1531-0065 screen. Once complete, fat processed mixture of CAB-O-SIL® M-5 and orange flavorant, the sugar-free psyllium dietary fiber mixture, and the maltodextrin were added into the five cubic foot PK blender and mixed for 10 minutes. Once mixed, the mixture of all the ingredients was placed in a suitable container.

[0027] Complete dispersibility tests were conducted by filling a glass beaker with 240 ml of water and placing one rounded teaspoon (approximately 5.8 gm) of the mixture into the filled glass bleaker and stirred. The mixture dispersed in less than six seconds. The color in the solution was slightly orange but nevertheless acceptable. The loose density of the mixture was approximately 0.58 and the tapped density was approximately 0.67 gm/mL. The product produced containing 1% CAB-O-SIL® M-5 has the following properties: Determination Product w/1% CAB-O-SIL ® M-5 Selected Assay: aspartame, % by wt. 0.60; acceptable PH, (10 g/300 mL H₂O) 3.0; acceptable USP Swell Volume, mL (1) 190; acceptable Bulk Density, g/cm³ Free Flow 0.69 Tapped 0.74 Organoleptic Evaluation Appearance, as is Very fine tan powder with brown & orange specks Color, in solution Medium orange Odor, in solution Orange with very slight vegetable background Flavor Sweet, slightly tart orange Mouthfeel Very slightly gelatinous; acceptable Dispersibility Acceptable; mixes readily with brisk stirring Product workmanship Acceptable; no defects

EXAMPLE VI

[0028] % of % wt/wt gm per Ingredient Name Function Formula range dose Psyllium Hydrophilic Active 48.0948 40-50 2.7895 Mucilloid - (sugar-free) Psyllium Hydrophilic Active 10.5431 10-20 0.6115 Mucilloid (sugar-free) Aspartame Sweetening 0.6359 <1 0.0369 Agent Citric Acid Flavor 5.7522  1-10 0.3336 Colloidal Silicon Dioxide Dispersing 1.9947  1-10 0.1157 Agent Yellow #6 Colorant 0.0934 <1 0.0054 Natural and Artificial Flavor 0.9812 <1 0.0569 Flavors Maltodextrin Diluent/Filler 31.9050 30-40 1.8505 Total: 100.00% 5.8 gm

[0029] The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiment(s) only. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. Therefore, it is understood that the embodiment(s) described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the doctrine of equivalents. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A dispersible dietary fiber composition comprising a colloidal silicon dioxide; and a substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder that is not naturally dispersible in water.
 2. The dispersible dietary fiber composition of claim 1 further comprising a saccharide polymer compound.
 3. The dispersible dietary fiber composition of claim 1 further comprising a flavorant.
 4. The dispersible dietary fiber composition of claim 3, wherein the flavorant is sugar-free.
 5. The dispersible dietary fiber composition of claim 2 further comprising a preservative.
 6. The dispersible dietary fiber composition of claim 1, wherein the colloidal silicon dioxide comprises from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the composition.
 7. The dispersible dietary fiber composition of claim 6, wherein the colloidal silicon dioxide comprises about 1 to about 2% by weight of the composition.
 8. The dispersible dietary fiber composition of claim 6, wherein the substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder comprises psyllium powder.
 9. The dispersible dietary fiber composition of claim 1, wherein the substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder comprises less than about 20 mesh (U.S. Series Sieve) particle size.
 10. The dispersible dietary fiber composition of claim 1, wherein the saccharide polymer compound comprises maltodextrin.
 11. The dispersible dietary fiber composition of claim 10, wherein the maltodextrin comprises a DE (dextrose equivalent) of less than
 20. 12. The dispersible dietary fiber composition of claim 10, wherein the maltodextrin filler comprises about 31% by weight of the composition.
 13. The dispersible dietary fiber composition of claim 12, wherein the psyllium powder comprises about 60% by weight of the composition.
 14. A method for producing a readily dispersible dry dietary fiber composition comprising dry blending colloidal silicon dioxide and a substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder to form a readily dispersible base.
 15. The method of claim 14 further comprising the step of dry mixing a filler into the base.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of dry mixing a flavorant into the base.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising the step of mixing a preservative into the base.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein the amount of colloidal silicon dioxide blended comprises from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the composition.
 19. The method of claim 15, wherein the amount of colloidal silicon dioxide blended comprises from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the dietary fiber composition.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the amount of colloidal silicon dioxide blended comprises from about 1% to about 2% of the dietary fiber composition.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder comprises psyllium powder.
 22. The method of claim 21, further comprising the step of mixing a dietary fiber supplementing amount of the base with an amount of water thereby forming a dispersed dietary fiber solution.
 23. The method of claim 14, wherein the amount of substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder blended comprises less than about 20 mesh (U.S. Series Sieve) particle size.
 24. The method of claim 15, wherein the filler comprises a saccharide polymer compound.
 25. The method of claim 24, wherein the saccharide polymer compound comprises maltodextrin.
 26. The method of claim 24, wherein the saccharide polymer compound comprises a DE (dextrose equivalent) of less than
 20. 27. The method of claim of 16, wherein the flavorant is sugar-free.
 28. The dispersible dietary fiber composition of claim 27, wherein the colloidal silicon dioxide comprises from about 0.5% to about 10% by weight of the composition.
 29. The dispersible dietary composition of claim 28, wherein the substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder comprises psyllium powder.
 30. The dispersible dietary composition of claim 29, wherein the substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder comprises substantially from about 20 to about 80 mesh (U.S. Series Sieve) particle size.
 31. The dispersible dietary composition of claim 30, wherein the saccharide polymer compound comprises about 31% by weight of the composition maltodextrin.
 32. The dispersible dietary composition of claim 31, wherein the substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder comprises about 60% by weight of the composition.
 33. The dietary composition of claim 32, wherein the flavorant comprises about 7% by weight of the composition.
 34. The dispersible dietary composition of claim 31, wherein the maltodextrin comprises a DE (dextrose equivalent) of less than
 20. 35. A readily dispersible dietary fiber composition comprising a colloidal silicon dioxide; a substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder that is not naturally dispersible in water; and a saccharide polymer compound with the proviso that the composition does not contain an emulsion of edible fat and glycerol.
 36. A readily dispersible dietary fiber composition comprising of colloidal silicon dioxide and a substantially uncoated, substantially indigestible, fibrous, vegetable material powder that is not naturally dispersible in water.
 37. A dispersible dietary fiber composition consisting essentially of colloidal silicon dioxide; a substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder that is not naturally dispersible in water and a saccharide polymer compound.
 38. A dispersible dietary fiber composition consisting essentially of colloidal silicon dioxide; a substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder that is not naturally dispersible in water; a saccharide polymer compound; a flavorant; and a preservative.
 39. A dispersible dietary fiber composition consisting essentially of colloidal silicon dioxide; a substantially uncoated, fibrous, vegetable material powder that is not naturally dispersible in water; a saccharide polymer compound; and a flavorant. 